Mary Deloise “Dee” Eady, a 73-year-old woman from Forest, Mississippi, was found deceased at her home on December 30, 2023. A family member discovered her body after growing concerned when a security camera at the residence was tampered with. Authorities later confirmed she had been shot and her body partially burned.
The investigation quickly led to a suspect, Sammy Patrick, a 36-year-old man who lived near Eady.
While there was no known direct personal relationship between them, it is believed Patrick may have done odd jobs for Eady's late husband. Her home had been ransacked, though her keys, credit cards, and money were left behind.
A six-day manhunt for Patrick ensued, during which he was reportedly involved in the robbery of a Subway restaurant in Woodville. On January 5, 2024, law enforcement located and arrested Patrick at a gas station in Byram, about 55 miles from the scene of the crime. He was taken into custody and subsequently charged with capital murder in connection with Dee Eady's death. The Scott County Sheriff's Office also stated that she had been sexually assaulted.
